Mumps cases continue to spread in Illinois

Health professionals recently confirmed that there have been additional new cases of mumps at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

The Illinois Department of Health (IDPH), McKinley Health Center and Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) have recommended that students attending the Urbana-Champaign branch of the University of Illinois receive a measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine booster shot. The booster shot is recommended as soon as possible, even if the students have previously received either one or two MMR vaccinations.

Health professionals have further recommended that the general public practice health hygiene and wellness habits. These will serve to decrease the chance of the mumps outbreak spreading. These habits include not sharing eating utensils or drinking cups, frequently washing hands with soap and water, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, avoiding sharing cigarettes and decreasing close contact with sick people.

“We continue to see new mumps infections in students at the University and are working to stop the spread,” IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah said. “While most cases on campus have already received two doses of MMR, a third dose may help control the outbreak. Although the vaccine against mumps is extremely effective, it is not perfect. This is why it is important for those who can be vaccinated, to take this extra step and potentially help protect those around them.”